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<p>Statutory Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay was introduced earlier this year,
in April 2020, and applies to parents who lose a child under the age of 18, including
individuals whose child is stillborn from 24 weeks of pregnancy. ‘Parent’ is broadly
defined and employees have 56 weeks from the date of their child’s death or stillbirth
to take their leave and pay.</p><p> </p><p>Where a mother experiences a miscarriage
before 24 weeks, it is often the case that a GP will sign her off work. The duration
of this leave will depend on her personal circumstances, and the pay she is entitled
to will be dictated by her standard workplace sick leave policy (for which there is
a statutory minimum).</p><p> </p><p>A partner will also be entitled to time off for
dependents under the Employment Rights Act. Many employers will also have an existing
compassionate leave policy or will operate one on a discretionary basis following
such loss.</p><p> </p><p>We strongly encourage employers to be sensitive and considerate
at such a time.</p>
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